After getting lost for 15 minutes we eventually found the right road that led on to the side of the canal. This is the one that links the Med with the Atlantic so we came across many barges some of which had been converted to houseboats and even Chambre de Hotes. Our journey along the canal carried on uneventfully until we came to a trbutary onto it which blocked our route. Linda was right when she said we should have crossed over earlier. So we ploughed on regardless down country lanes getting further and further away from the Canal. In time we found a small road that led back in the right direction. Came back to the gorgeous tree lined banks of the canal. One of those enduring images of france – rows of plane trees with bark peeling of leaving trunks looking like some sort of mosaic. Cycled on with Linda now complaining about her sore backside and bemoaning the fact that like me she had little natural padding there. We eventually arrived at Bezier Ville Neuf only about 5km short of our target. But after a look around the village decided that we had to head back having covered about 10km and having a mind to realising that our legs were aching and we had to make the distance back. An uneventful ride back along the other side of the canal. We cycled into the Vias both feeling tired but satisfied. Time for some light refreshment at the cafe. Sat outside imbibing a pastis ( Brent ) and a muscat ( Linda ). Set off back to gite, took a short cut through school car park, heard a crash behind me as I came round the corner. Linda had taken the corner too sharply and lay prone on the pavement. Jumped off the bike and we assessed her damage. Worst injury was to her knee which was swelling rather worryingly.
We were close to home so she got back had a shower and applied the magical arnica to the bruising. All a shame because we had felt such a sense of satisfaction on our achievement.

Next day we spent doing some washing. There was loads to do and the drying weather was very iffy but over next two days got it all done.
Also visited nearest town of Bezier which had impossibly difficult underground car park – the type that has lots of paint and scratch marks along the ramp walls. Had a beautiful tree lined esplanade though bordered by pavement cafes – one of which we sat down for a drink.
Drove to other side of Vias and visited Cap D'Agde. A huge marina with loads of big power boats and yachts moored up. Was now late in the afternoon, lots closed down so headed back to base.

Day spent doing domestic chores and packing up and cleaning gite. In the evening went over to Flo and Ians house for a lovely meal and drinks. The house was suffused with the smell of cooking when we arrived. Had a gorgeous meal called I think Parcel de Vaux – delicious. This was preceded by drinks and followed by drinks.

October 23rd
Woke up to our busy day of travelling. From South of France to Rochdale in a day. We had it all planned out but knew any delays in the different links would scupper us. First stage was to get to Nimes airport. By the time we had got half way we were realising that every minute would count if we were to catch the plane. Linda rang Ian to check directions as we realised that a wrong turn would mean we would miss the plane. Drove into the small airport parked the car went to pay the man in the office. No man in the office. After about 5mins of shouting hallo he finally appeared. Time was moving on and our nerves getting frayed. Quick walk to the terminal and...Lin here now just finishing this off,,,
as we'd checked in on line we were able to walk straight through and join the queue at the x—ray machine. It was great. None of that hanging around. Brent though was clearly stressed at the last minute arrival and, I have to say, looked very suspicious as he passed under the machine. Needless to say he was pulled up and checked over by the officials there! Not the first and I'm sure not the last time!

Had a good flight arriving 5 minutes early and got to Nottingham on the airport bus, where Alec met us with our suitcase all ready for the week ahead. It was lovely to see him and we really appreciated his help. After a quick coffee we hopped onto the Trans Peak bus, where for £7.50 we got up to Manchester via the beautiful Peak District. All the way there clouds threatened and we arrived in the city to torrential rain...our first in almost 8 weeks!!! Grabbed a taxi to get us to the hire car offices only to realise that we'd hit the rush hour, which meant that after 10 minutes we'd moved about a 100 yards at cost of £5!! The driver was very helpful though and let us out with directions to the place, which turned out to be just around the corner!! Oh well, we'd obviously made a mistake when we'd multi mapped it!!! Picked up an almost new Astra and arrived safely in Rochdale where a lovely lasagne and salad awaited us. Lovely to see Fred and Doris and get into comfy beds.

24th October
A blue sky day.... wow, what is our secret? I enjoyed my first trip into Rochdale with Rebecca, Brent's niece acting as our brilliant tour guide ( she had an INSETday off school). Bought all the bits and bobs we needed and later enjoyed a lovely fish and chip supper with mum and dad.

Saturday 25th October
Set off and arrived in Skipton to rain. Parked up and had a lovely coffee near the car park before exploring the shops. I got my glasses fixed and bought another fleecy jacket. The open market was fun and we stocked up on cheese...Lancashire garlic and Stilton... yum yum! Arrived 10 minutes early at the house...our first impressions were apprehensive as it looked a bit glum from outside but inside we met lovely Sue, who'd prepared a welcome pack including home made chocolate cake and scones. The house is like a tardis...small on the outside but plenty of room inside with 2 kingsize beds! What luxury after all that camping!

Sunday 26th October
Woke up to sunshine but by the time we were ready the rain had started, so we started off in the car. However within minutes that sun was back so we parked up and had a lovely walk into Skipton via a little riverside walk. Arrived in town to more rain so forced ourselves to have another coffee before venturing across the road to the castle. As it was £5.50 each to go into the castle and I (Linda) was with 3 Lancashire folk... we didn't go in, but went round the back and found the Skipton woods and at no expense enjoyed a lovely woodland walk at no expense...lovely!! That evening sort of taught Fred and Doris how to play Backgammon after cumberland sausage and mash.

Monday 27th October
Up at the crack of dawn... not! Decided to make sandwiches for the Abbott family gathering. They all arrived around 11.30. armed with sandwiches and home made goodies... put us to shame! Needless to say we won't have to make sandwiches for the rest of the week as those we made are in the freezer! What an amazing day! Bright sunshine all the way to Bolton Abbey where we spent a very happy 3 hours plus walking round both sides of the river Wharfe. Stunning and great company. Andrew redesigned the ruined monastery and made us laugh. Back to the house fo r a pizza meal... a good time was had by all!

Tuesday 28th October
A bit cloudier this morning so we decided to do a bit of a tour in the cars. Headed to Kettlewell first where we had a lovely coffee stop at Zarina's, a fairly new cafe recently opened by the original calendar girls. Then we travelled through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to Hawes. Here Fred, Doris, Brent and I explored the Ropemakers demonstration and the museum, which was very well done. The younger Abbotts did a walk around the village. Then we drove back through more lovely scenery and had our dinner all together in the pub near the Premier Inn, in Gargreave. ..oh yes, forgot to say that by mid afternoon the sun was out again... Brent and I wondering if we still deserve this!!!

Wednesday 28th October
Another fine day and we headed to Malham Cove. Caris managed to cross the river and then struggled to get back to the rest of us. Squire Andrew rushed to the rescue in his new 'pink' anorak and soon she was back safely with us. Rebecca, Caris, Andrew, Brent and I decided to venture up the steps onto the limestone pavement at the top of the cove, whilst the others strolled back to the Buck Inn in the village, where we all met up for a nice lunch later. We counted about 408 steps up to the top, but had fun on the hike back, by scaring off other hikers by talking about the 1500 steps we'd climbed!! Naughty Andrew's idea of course. After lunch we drove up to Malham Tarn, the highest tarn in England. It was fine, but freezing and the younger Abbotts declined from the quarter mile walk up to the tarn, whilst Fred lead the rest of us at a brisk pace. The tarn was beautiful and the swarm of seagulls above it quite lovely. It was lovely to spend time with Andrew, Ruth and the girls, who headed off after tea.

Thursday 29th October
A bit of shopping in Skipton before lunch was followed by a walk from the house. It was good to explore the view we'd been looking at all week. We started in the nearby park and asked a couple if there was a path up to the woods. They said there was but that it was quite tricky and muddy.. clearly they didn't think we'd make it...but they don't know Fred (86) and Doris (82)! We soon found the path and began the ascent. Doris had a stop and I offered to walk back with her. Brent and Fred carried on uphill and after watching a sheep dog rounding up some sheep, Doris decided she'd like to get to the top of the hill, where we met up with B and F. Great views from up there and another sunny evening walk back to the house. Great.

Friday 31st October
Awoke to another glorious day and decided to do the 3.5 mile walk from Gargreave. It was perishing cold as we reached the top of the lane and for a moment we considered heading back rather than climbing the hill. However we decided to go for it and Fred and Doris were just amazing. Up and over stiles, across muddy fields and all in good humour. The views back over Gargreave were brilliant and from the top we could see Malham cove too. The last part of the walk was along the canal and was really lovely too, with lots of barges to nosy into. We stopped at the Anchor Inn just before the end of the walk and had a nice lunch, then we walked into the village to look at the shops. After a quick cuppa back at the house we packed up the car and headed back to Rochdale. A good time was had by all and we couldn't believe how lucky we'd been with the weather!

Saturday 1st November...party day!
Travelled down to Coventry... M6 very congested so not much fun, but at least the sun was shining. Picked up Gaz, Steph and Alec and installed ourselves at Dulcie's. She made us really welcome and it was lovely to spend some time with her. Headed off to celebrate Shirl (my sister) and Barry's Ruby wedding anniversary. She looked absolutely gorgeous and it was great to see all the family. We had a good dance to the rock and roll band and it was lovely to see all the children...I've nearly got all their names right now! Aunties - Sheila, Vera and Marie, were all on good form and cousins had travelled from Southhampton, Devon and near to Bristol to be there. A good time was had by all.

Sunday 2nd November
Enjoyed a carvery meal with Dulcie and explored the new Herbert Gallery in the centre of Coventry. Tried to take the hire car back, but the office was closed!